Purell

Purell is a brand of hand sanitizer that was introduced to the market in 1988 by GOJO Industries. It is a disinfectant product primarily used for hand hygiene to prevent the spread of infection and disease.

History

GOJO Industries, a family-owned company based in Akron, Ohio, introduced Purell hand sanitizer to the market in 1988. The product was initially developed for use in settings where hand washing with soap and water was not readily available. It was later made available to the general public in 1997.

Composition

Purell hand sanitizer is composed of ethanol (65% v/v), water, isopropyl alcohol, glycerin, propylene glycol, isopropyl myristate, and fragrance. The ethanol and isopropyl alcohol act as antimicrobial agents that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Effectiveness

Purell hand sanitizer is effective in killing many types of germs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol-based hand sanitizers like Purell can quickly reduce the number of microbes on hands in some situations, but they do not eliminate all types of germs.

Usage

Purell hand sanitizer is used by applying a small amount of the product to the palm of one hand and rubbing the product all over the surfaces of the hands until they are dry. It is recommended for use when soap and water are not available for hand washing.

Safety

While Purell hand sanitizer is generally safe for use, it can cause skin irritation in some individuals. It is also flammable due to its high alcohol content and should be kept away from open flames.

See also

• Hand hygiene
• Infection control
• Disinfectant